Loving dad's gift of life to his son

FATHER'S Day celebrations were extra special for one Reading family this year when a young lad thanked his dad for saving his life.

Five-year-old James Togher said it with flowers yesterday when he handed over a bouquet to dad William, who had donated part of his liver to his young son when he was diagnosed with acute liver failure.

Father's Day has been particularly poignant for the family since the operation, which was carried out when James was just nine months old.

James's mum Amanda said: "Father's Day is always a family thing. We celebrate it and we can reflect on what William did for James.

"Without William doing what he has done he wouldn't be a father."

When James's condition was detected he was put on a transplant waiting list and both his mother and father volunteered to give a ‘living-related liver transplant'.

Mr Togher was the right match for James, so he underwent an operation where surgeons transplanted part of his healthy liver into James's body.

Within three months Mr Togher's liver had grown back to its full size and James's liver had grown into a full organ.

Mr Togher of Littlecote Drive said: "When I found out that I was a match there was no question of me not doing it - I would do anything."

Mrs Togher said: "William doesn't talk about it much but it is a big thing.

"A lot of people at his work don't know anything about it, he keeps it very quiet. He doesn't boast about it."

Little James will be on medication to suppress his immune system for the rest of his life to make sure his body does not reject the liver donation.

Mrs Togher said: "He has been okay in the last year and he has been getting stronger. Now he is five he is running around.

"He is susceptible to things like chicken pox and measles - I would say to parents please let your children have the MMR jab.

"We need to remember that the transplant is not a cure, it just bides him time. He will always be on medication and that has side effects as well.

"But who knows what medical advancements there may be in 10 years' time."

Since James's diagnosis the family has been supported by the Children's Liver Disease Foundation.

The charity provides families with all the important literature about liver disease and transplants written in layman's terms.

Mr Togher said: "When we were told that James would need a transplant in a way it was a relief because at least we knew something could be done.

"I wish there was more awareness about childhood liver disease and that we could eradicate the misconception that all liver disease is alcohol-related."

For more information about the charity visit the website www.childliverdisease.org or call (0121) 212 3839.